I just bought an '89 Mojave and had a question about the engine. I mostly riden 2 strokes so I'm not to familiar with the sounds. I noticed that when I touch the throttle occasionaly the engine makes kind of a clanging sound. It idles smoothe and runs great I was just wondering if this is normal or if this is a potential problem. Thanks

 

i assume the sound comes when the motor is bogged, it is normal and should go away when you drop down a gear and hammer it. your 250 was built to be revved high, your stock power is all on top...the mojave really likes being " up on the cam".

 

I'm gonna guess that your hearing this sound just off idle with no load on the engine at about 1/3 throttle-then seems to go away as rpm's increase. I heard one once that sounded like a blacksmith shop at that rpm. We thought it was piston slap-never did find out because friend that had it sent it down the road and let it be someone elses problem. Take care, Bryan

 

i have a 88' mojave there's nothing wrong with the bike your just shifting to early rev up the rpm's more then shift.

 

well it sounds like the timeing chain rattleing around a little im a automotive tech and im used to hearing the noise out of high mileage foreign cars anyway its more than likely had a hard life... it problay does it more warm than cold??? try changeing the oil and run 20/50 weight in it . good luck Jim......

 

There are two things that may be making the noise you are hearing. In the earlier Mojaves the rev limiters used to kick in and make a noise. The later Mojaves make a noise when you are under load and not on cam, it is a "pinging" type noise like you are stalling out. If that happens you are in a gear too high or need to punch it. The Mojaves like to be revved out to make power.

 

I looked in the manual I got and the sound is more like a knocking, I was looking for the right word when I posted and I think I used the wrong one. It gave me a few suggestions and thanks for the help.

 

Most likely what you are hearing in a off idle situation is the clutch basket rattling. If you bang the throttle quickly and let off as soon as you can and you here this rattle or knock that is what it is. will run forever like this Honda 200 sx bayou 220's do the same thing . if it s rattling at a idle a qualified dealer or mechanic can tell you if it is the cam chain by removing the tensioner and checking it. 15 min max to diagnose could be tensioner bearing is failing? However would lay money on the clutch basket if it is the off idle knock. from a dealer mike
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1 mojave with a ex 500 motor ready for transplant
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